Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting dessert that beautifully balances cozy spices with a creamy finish, you have to try this Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe. Imagine tender baked apples filled with a warmly spiced oatmeal mixture, all bathed in a luscious vanilla custard that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you want to invite friends over just to share this delightfully homey treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary dessert. Each component plays a vital role, adding texture, sweetness, and that comforting warmth you crave.
- Large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Choose firm apples that will hold their shape and provide a tart balance to the sweet filling.
- Rolled oats: These add heartiness and a slight chew, making the filling satisfying and textured.
- Brown sugar: For natural sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the filling’s richness.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that iconic warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
- Butter, melted: Adds buttery richness and helps bind the oat mixture together.
- Chopped nuts (optional): For extra crunch and a nutty dimension if you like some added texture.
- Raisins or dried cranberries (optional): Little bursts of chewy sweetness that brighten the filling.
- Water (for baking): Keeps the apples moist during baking, ensuring tender results.
- Milk (for custard): The creamy base of the vanilla custard sauce that’s both silky and smooth.
- Sugar (for custard): Sweetens the custard just right.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the custard to a luscious consistency.
- Egg yolks: Provide richness and help the custard set beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: The star flavor of the custard, adding aromatic warmth and depth.
How to Make Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish to prevent sticking. Wash your apples thoroughly and core them carefully, leaving the bottom intact so the filling won’t slip out. This step sets the foundation for a neat and flaunt-worthy stuffed apple.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Oatmeal Filling
In a bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir in melted butter to bind everything together into a rich, flavorful mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, add chopped nuts and dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for delightful bursts of flavor and crunch.
Step 3: Stuff the Apples and Bake
Fill each prepared apple generously with the oatmeal mixture, pressing it down lightly so it’s well packed. Arrange the apples upright in your baking dish and pour around 1 cup of water into the bottom—this keeps the apples juicy and prevents burning. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
Step 4: Make the Vanilla Custard Sauce
While the apples bake, prepare the heavenly vanilla custard sauce. In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt, heating gently over medium until the mixture simmers and thickens. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and vanilla extract, then gradually add the warm milk mixture while whisking continuously. Return everything to the pan and cook until thickened to a silky, pouring consistency. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 5: Serve it Up!
Once baked apples are out of the oven, plate them individually and ladle generous amounts of the warm vanilla custard sauce over the top. The contrast between the tender, spice-laden apples and the creamy sauce will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts, a dusting of extra cinnamon, or a few fresh mint leaves can turn this dessert into a visual masterpiece. These small touches add crunch, aroma, and color, elevating each serving to something special.
Side Dishes
Pairing this warm dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes it to the next level. For a lighter option, a simple cup of strong coffee or spiced chai complements the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the stuffed apples in rustic ramekins or on wooden boards drizzled with extra vanilla custard. You can also arrange several smaller apples on a large platter and pour custard for a family-style dessert experience that invites sharing and smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover cinnamon oatmeal stuffed apples with vanilla custard sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this cozy treat again without starting from scratch.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed apples (without custard) if you want to save time later. Wrap each apple individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake briefly to warm through before serving with freshly made custard sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, place the apples in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Gently reheat the custard sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, to bring back its silky smoothness without curdling.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are recommended for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can use any firm apple variety that holds its shape well during baking.
Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out butter and milk for plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk. For the custard, try using coconut cream combined with cornstarch to achieve a similar texture.
Can I prepare the oatmeal filling in advance?
Yes, you can mix the oatmeal filling a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. This makes stuffing the apples quick and easy when you’re ready to bake.
What’s the best way to substitute raisins or nuts?
If you’re not a fan of raisins or nuts, dried blueberries, chopped dried apricots, or even seeds like pumpkin or sunflower work great to add texture and flavor variations.
How should I adjust baking time for larger or smaller apples?
For larger apples, you may need to add 5 to 10 extra minutes of baking time to ensure they become tender. Smaller apples will cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them starting at 20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe is truly a celebration of cozy flavors and comforting textures. It’s one of those special dishes you’ll want to make again and again, especially as the seasons turn cooler. Give it a try and treat yourself and your loved ones to a dessert that feels like a warm embrace on a plate.
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Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the comforting flavors of Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples paired with a rich Homemade Vanilla Custard Sauce. This warm, baked dessert features tender apples filled with a cinnamon-spiced oatmeal mix, nuts, and dried fruit, served with a smooth, creamy custard that adds a perfect vanilla sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Apples
- 4 large apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 1 cup water (for baking)
For the Vanilla Custard Sauce
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Core the Apples: Wash and core each apple carefully, leaving the base intact so it can hold the filling securely.
- Make Filling: In a bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Stir in chopped nuts and dried fruit if using to add texture and flavor.
- Stuff the Apples: Generously fill each apple with the oatmeal mixture, pressing lightly to pack it down. Arrange the filled apples upright in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Water and Bake: Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish to keep the apples moist. Cover the dish with foil to retain steam and bake for 25-30 minutes until the apples are tender.
- Start Custard Base: While apples bake, combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens slightly.
- Combine Egg Yolks and Vanilla: In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and vanilla extract together. Gradually whisk in the warm milk mixture to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
- Cook Custard Sauce: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until the custard thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Cool Custard: Remove the custard sauce from heat and let it cool slightly to thicken further and develop flavor.
- Serve: Plate the warm baked stuffed apples and drizzle generously with the warm vanilla custard sauce for a decadent dessert experience.
Notes
- Choose firm apples that hold their shape well when baked, like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
- For a nut-free version, omit the nuts and replace with extra dried fruit if desired.
- The custard sauce can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar and sugar in the custard to your taste.
- Leftover custard can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
